Miner dies in pit collapse at Chi Chi Backdam

A 25-year-old miner from Region Nine died on Tuesday afternoon after a mining pit collapsed at Chi Chi Backdam along the Upper Mazaruni River, police have confirmed.

Dead is Ryan Roberts of Kwaimatta Village, North Rupununi.
Police said the incident occurred at about 14:45hrs while Roberts and several other workers were operating in a mining pit.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a water hose reportedly burst, and as workers attempted to secure the area, a section of the land suddenly gave way.

The other workers managed to escape the pit, but Roberts became trapped beneath the collapsed soil.
He was later dug out by fellow workers but was found unresponsive.

The body was taken to the Chinowing Health Centre, where he was examined and pronounced dead on arrival by the medex on duty.

Roberts’ body is currently at the Chi Chi Airstrip awaiting transportation to the mortuary of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
Police investigations are continuing.